U.S. Chamber and 1776 Partner to Identify and Celebrate Startups Around the Globe

Monday, September 16, 2013 - 8:00pm

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today joined 1776 in the quest for the most promising and innovative startups currently tackling global issues. As a Global Partner for the Challenge Cup, the Chamber will help identify and celebrate exceptional startups in the categories of health, education, energy, and city challenges, to compete in a series of qualifying pitch competitions in 16 cities around the world--eight in the United States and eight internationally. Winners from each pitch competition will convene in Washington, D.C., in May 2014 for a week-long festival and competition and the chance to become winner of the Challenge Cup.

"Startups and entrepreneurs are key to the success and the spirit of the free enterprise system," said Tom Collamore, senior vice president of Communications and Strategy at the Chamber. "Giving these businesses the opportunity to showcase their ideas and potential helps provide them with the tools and exposure necessary to grow and succeed, and opens the door for them to positively impact our economy and society with their contributions."

The Challenge Cup will begin October 29 with a pitch competition event in Washington, D.C. The Cup will then host similar events throughout the year in Chicago, Moscow, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, New York City, and Boston. Dates and locations for the remaining eight stops will be announced at a later date. Applications to compete in the competitions are currently open for the first four cities.

"Today's startups are tomorrow's global corporate leaders," said Donna Harris, cofounder of 1776. "With the scope and scale of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, we're thrilled that they are working with us on the Challenge Cup to find and showcase the most promising startups from around the world."

1776 is a major initiative focused on helping entrepreneurs seeking to reinvent our lives as citizens. Located just blocks from the White House, 1776 convenes and accelerates startups from around the world by connecting them to the political, intellectual, social and financial capital that make Washington, D.C., unique. Visit http://www.1776dc.com or @1776dc on Twitter for more information.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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